1. Suncast Outdoor Dog House with Door
Key Features
Heavy-duty resin construction
Comes with vinyl letters for personalized dog’s name
Packaged with vinyl door flaps
Measures 38.5 by 33 by 32 inches
Designed for dog weighing up to 100 lbs
Designed for absolute ease of assembly while ensuring optimum protection for your pet against the elements, this Suncast dog house is simply perfect whether it is for your backyard or right in your living room. The components are made of heavy-duty resin so you can bet it’s lightweight yet sturdy enough to last several years.
The plastic dog house comes in an easy snap-on design, requiring no tools whatsoever. The addition of letters which you can arrange to spell your dog’s name and place it on the Suncast is quite thoughtful. It also comes packaged with vinyl flaps just to keep the rain out of the door. It may not be an insulated dog house, but it sure can keep your pet comfy.
Pros
Very easy to assemble requiring no tools
Very easy to maintain and clean
Spacious and comfortable interior
Personalized dog house
Cons
Not really thermally insulated
May easily fall apart because of lack of secure hardware
2. Petsfit Dog House
Key Features
Made of natural cedar wood and finished with water-based paint
Rain-proof asphalt roofing with built-in hinges
Off-center doorway
Can accommodate up to 75-lb dogs
Packaged with door flaps
Raised floor
It doesn’t have any fancy design to it, but this doesn’t stop the Petsfit outdoor dog house from giving your pet the kind of protective den it needs. The large door is positioned off-center to give your hound plenty of room to maneuver inside. And if it does start to rain, you can always attach the door flaps to keep the interior relatively dry.
Cleaning is quite easy as the asphalt-lined roof is hinged and can be easily opened for easier access to the interior. The natural scent or cedar used in the construction of this wooden dog house can also provide for a more relaxing environment for your dog to sleep in. It is one of the best dog houses for large dogs.
Pros
Excellent protection against the elements
Very easy for pets to move in and out
Easy to clean
Reliable construction
Cons
Feet cannot be adjusted
Requires time to assemble
3. Petmate INDIGO W/MICROBAN
Key Features
Heavy-duty well-insulated construction
Ventilation vents on roof
Offset, extended doorway
Laced with Microban antimicrobial treatment
Raised floor
Side moats
Samoyeds, Siberian huskies, and Alaskan malamutes will love this igloo dog house from Petmate; that is, if you can fit them inside the rather small doorway. Mimicking the shelter of the Nordic and Arctic peoples, the Indigo provides a warm dog house for your pet during the chilly months of winter, although it doesn’t really come with any form of insulation.
What it does provide is antimicrobial protection on its interior surfaces so you don’t have to clean it as often as you need to. The dome of the Indigo comes with ventilation slats that will be comfy during warmer days. It is a nice dog house to have for your Arctic hounds.
Pros
Very easy to assemble
Safe and comfortable for pets
Excellent protection against the elements
More hygienic than other dog houses
Cons
Rain may still get in the doorway, but not inside
Doorway may be small for some pets
4. Merry Wood Pet House
Key Features
2-level pet den and perch design
Made of kiln-dried cedar wood finished with natural stains
Removable floor and roof with raised floor
Safety rails on balcony
Designed for toy and small breeds only
Dog den measures 17.3 by 17.3 x 15.4 inches
Your toy or small dog will love this dog house with porch from Merry Pet. It’s like one of those cat towers where you have a separate sleeping quarters and another section just for lounging. The ‘balcony’ of the Merry Pet wooden dog house is adequately guarded by an intricate latticework.
Its sturdy platform should accommodate a nice and fluffy dog bed for your little woofer. We do have to caution you about your pet going up and down the ladder, though, as it is unusually steep. Inside the raised sleeping platform of the den is a sturdy bottom that can be easily removed for easier cleaning. You can also remove the roof to provide better access to the interior.
Pros
Can be used indoors or outdoors
Easy to clean
Looks lovely and elegant
Comfortable for small pets
Cons
Requires time to assemble
Ladder may be too steep
5. Trixie Classic Outdoor Wooden Dog House
Key Features
Made of solid pine wood
Draft-resistant tongue
Roof can be opened and secured by 2 locking arms
Raised floor
Fully-adjustable feet
With its off-center doorway, the Trixie Dog Club House is perfect for providing a warmer and safer den for your pet even if it rains. However, we do wish it did come with a door flap to make sure that sprays of water won’t get inside its comfy den. You can always buy from Trixie, however.
This wooden dog house features an easy-open asphalt roof that makes it super easy to clean the interior. This is made even easier with the removable floor. The feet are fully adjustable, too, so you can ensure a more even sleeping and resting platform for your pet. Unlike other dog houses that are made of wood, the Club House is constructed of solid pine.
Pros
Spacious interior for easier pet movement inside
Can be stabilized and kept relatively flat on uneven surfaces
Easy to clean and maintain
Keeps dogs comfy and relatively dry
Cons
No protection against the rain
Requires some assembly
Issues with durability
6. Confidence Pet Plastic Dog Kennel Outdoor House
Key Features
Constructed of heavy-duty plastic materials
Raised floor but without feet
All-weather design
Large doorway
The Confidence plastic dog house prides itself of being absolutely waterproof. However, do not ever think that it is one of the best dog houses for cold weather since the walls and other components of the Confidence are rather thin and don’t contain any form of thermal insulation.
It also doesn’t protect your dog from the rain adequately enough since the door is rather large and it doesn’t even come with a door flap or even a rain guard. Nevertheless, this dog house is still preferred by many because of its ease of assembly and lightweight characteristics. It is also very easy to clean since it is made of plastic. A simple wipe with a moist cloth is often enough.
Pros
Available in 3 sizes for different breeds
Easy to assemble
Easy to clean and maintain
Large interior space
Cons
Doesn’t offer protection against the rain
No thermal insulation
A bit pricier
7. Suncast Outdoor Dog House
Key Features
Heavy-duty resin construction with removable roof
Quick, snap-on assembly
Vinyl door flaps
Wide and tall doorway and built-in vents
Measures 35 by 29.5 by 27 inches
Designed for dogs up to 70 pounds
We’ve seen how the Suncast Dog House can prove an invaluable den for your pet. But maybe it is just way too big for your pet. If it is, then you’d better get Suncast’s DH250 dog house. It basically has the same features and useful design as the DH350, only smaller as it can only fit dogs that weigh a maximum of 70 pounds.
Its no-tools, snap-on assembly is always preferred by most parents while others will point to its modern house-like exterior as the main reason for getting this plastic dog house. It also comes with a vinyl door to keep water out. The only thing missing in the DH250 are the letters that you can use to customize the warm dog house.
Pros
Very easy to assemble; no tools required
Very easy to clean
Can help keep the rain out
Large interior space
Sturdy construction
Cons
Not well-insulated
Some complaints about durability
8. Tangkula Pet Dog House
Key Features
Constructed of natural fir wood finished with eco-friendly paint
Raised floor with removable bottom
Stable plastic-wrapped feet
Asphalt rain roof with steep slope
Quick-assembly design
TANGKULA’s take on the best wooden dog house is this fir wood-constructed home that comes with an asphalt rain roof following the traditional design of dog homes. While it has stable feet elevating the sleeping platform several inches off the ground, its center-positioned door may not offer much protection against the rain since it doesn’t come with flaps.
The eaves of the roof don’t extend well into the front of the outdoor dog house, too. Regardless, it is a great choice especially for those who want a neat-looking traditional dog house without paying a hefty sum. It is easy to assemble, although it requires some time.
Pros
Lovely classic design
Very accessible for pets
Steep grade of roof channels water and snow better
Raised floor protects pets from cold drafts
Cons
No rain guard on the doorway
May not stand up to power chewers
9. Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin
Key Features
Made of solid wood with pet-safe weatherproof finish
Slanted asphalt roof
Raised floor
Wooden walls with protective coating
Fully-adjustable feet
Another wooden dog house for your consideration is this product from Precision Pet. The Petmate Extreme is marketed as a reliable outdoor dog house that comes with excellent weather-resistance. Too bad it doesn’t come with door flaps; although its off-centered design should easily keep one section of the interior relatively dry for your pet to feel cozy and comfy.
We just would like to point out the comments made by some pet parents regarding the durability of the Petmate Extreme. Sadly, there have been issues of the doggie den falling apart after some time. It should look lovely in your backyard, nonetheless.
Pros
Beautiful cabin design for any backyard
Weather resistant and durable construction
Easy to clean and assemble
Protects dogs against the elements
Available in 3 sizes for different types of dogs
Cons
No rain guard on the door
Some complaints about the dog house literally falling apart
10. Petsfit Indoor Wooden Dog House
Key Features
2-level dog house with perch design
9.5-inch wide 3-step ladder
Made of kiln-dried cedar wood with water-based paint finish
Removable bottom floor and door
Safety rails on perch
Dog house measures 18 by 18 by 14 inches
The Petsfit is a lot like Merry Pet’s Wood Room with a View, except that this one comes with safety rails that are designed more like the rails on a double decker bed. It does come with a steel door and one side of the Petsfit has a window for optimum ventilation.
This dog house with porch also comes with a 3-step ladder that is quite steep to our liking. The Petsfit can be a great lounger for your small or toy breed of dog while also adding a different kind of décor to your home. Both the floor and the steel door can be easily removed allowing you free access to the interior for ease of cleaning.
Pros
Easy to assemble and clean
Dual resting areas for optimum pet comfort
Large windows and doors for better ventilation
Elegant and stylish design
Cons
Designed only for small dogs
Ladder has a steep grade
11. Indoor Outdoor Dog House
Key Features
Strong and lightweight construction
Wide and tall doorway
Raised floor
Measures 30 by 26 by 24 inches
While it is definitely not a children’s play set, the always-quality all-weather dog house is perfect for the smallest and youngest hounds in your canine family. It has a whimsical design that children will surely love assisting their young puppies to get into. It’s quite small yet has a spacious interior that’s just right for puppies. It can be easily installed with a few tightening of screws while retaining its structural rigidity. It is relatively easy to clean, too. Even your young child can be taught how to take care of the home of his or her favorite pet.
Pros
Easy to assemble requiring only minimal tools
Easily accessible to pets
Easy to clean
Cute design
Cons
For toy and small breeds and puppies only
Open door may not protect pets from the elements
12. ASL Solutions Deluxe Insulated Dog Palace
Key Features
4-inch thick EPS wall insulation
Self-closing, easy-pass insulated door with removable lower half
Sloping floor with drain hole
Self-storing window panes
Rear-exiting heater cord for floor heater
Measures 47.5 by 38.5 by 31.5 inches
If you’ve got the money for it and you’re looking for a really insulated dog house for your pet, then ASL Solutions’ Deluxe Insulated Dog Palace is a must-have. The Dog Palace is one of the best dog houses for cold weather because of the 4-inch thick walls that are made of EPS foam insulation plus a nifty heated floor attachment.
Too bad the heater only occupies about a third or so of the interior floor of the Dog Palace so there will still be some sections that will not have the heating mechanism. The door is quite exceptional, too, since it comes with an easy-pass design while also allowing its lower half to be removed. Hands down this is one of the best dog houses you can ever get, but only if you’re prepared to pay several hundred dollars for it.
Pros
Easy to assemble and easy to clean
Elegant and stylish design
Heated and well-insulated interior affords optimum comfort for pets
Easy access for pets
Cons
Some complaints about the dog house falling apart when moved
Unusually expensive
Best Dog House Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Look for When Buying a Dog House
Picking the right house for your dog isn’t as complicated as choosing your own house. However, there are some things that you’ve got to look for whenever shopping for the best pet home.
- Overall quality
Quality is highly subjective. But you can almost always discern a well-made product from one that is easily broken. Since it would be nearly impossible to check the quality of each product in your shortlist, you can read reviews and listen to what other people have to say about such products. When talking about the quality of a dog house, you’d also be touching more on the materials used. Would you go for plastic or will it be best to go for wood?
- Protection against the elements
The main purpose of the dog house is as a shelter from the elements. If it cannot guarantee this basic task, then there’s no point calling it a house. As such, the dog house you choose should be able to keep your pet safe from the rain, the sun, the wind, and the snow, depending on where you live, of course.
- Ease of assembly
Some dog houses don’t require any tools to assemble while some will require a few hand tools like screwdrivers and the like. Most folks will want something that they can assemble within several minutes of opening the package.
- Ease of maintenance
Like your house, the dog house also needs frequent cleaning to maintain its proper function. As such, you need a dog house that allows you to easily clean it inside out. Plastic dog houses offer the convenience of easy cleanups as you can easily hose it down with water and you’re done. Others may require some disassembly so you can clean the inner components and surfaces.
- Size
You’d want a dog house with plenty of room inside for your pet to maneuver. If you can easily fit two dogs with still plenty of space to move about, then this should be a great buy.
- Ventilation
Can you imagine your house without windows? Now try imagining a dog house without some form of ventilation. This could be quite dangerous to your pet especially during the hot summer days. In winter, the danger may not be so obvious, but a damp interior can favor the growth of mildew and molds.
- Aesthetics
Just in case you’re the kind of person who wants to unify the decorative elements in your backyard or even inside your home, then a dog house’s aesthetics should also be considered. Generally, you’d want a dog house that complements your landscape or interior décor.
- Overall value
Try combining all of the above parameters and determine whether the price tag is appropriate. You may also want to compare similar products with the same technical specifications and features. If one is priced higher than the others, then you can always feel safer about choosing the one with a lower price since it has better value.
The Benefits of a Dog House
One of the most obvious benefits of a dog house is protection against the elements. This is especially true during extreme weather conditions. While they can stay inside the house, there are some breeds that are best kept outdoors. Unfortunately, outdoor temperatures can be unforgiving especially since dogs do not have a very efficient thermoregulation mechanism.
Dog houses provide adequate protection against the sun which can help prevent heat stress and overheating. When coupled with plenty of water to drink, a dog house can be a safe refuge for dogs during the hot summer days.
Canine homes can also protect pets in the winter by providing them with a warmer environment. While some dogs are especially bred to live in Arctic conditions, there are those that are susceptible to extreme cold.
Other benefits of dog houses can include protection against pests or critters as well as shielding against harsh winds.
The Different Materials Used for Dog Houses
Wood and plastic are the two most commonly used materials in the construction of dog houses today. Plastic dog houses are lightweight, durable, waterproof, easy to assemble, easy to clean, and can come in a variety of stylish designs. Unfortunately, many plastic dog houses are rather flimsy and lack thermal insulation. They are also more prone to cracks.
Wooden dog houses, on the other hand, are great for their insulating properties. These are also resistant to decay, durable, and can repel insects. Cedar wood also has a calming effect. Plus, one cannot deny the fact that wooden dog homes are definitely more stylish and elegant than plastic ones. On the downside, wooden dog houses can be laced with chemicals that give it protection. They also require some assembly and careful maintenance. Above all, wooden dog homes are heavy.
Types of Dog Houses (By Function)
There are many types of dog houses that can be classified into different ways such as the size, the materials used, its location in the house, and even the various features that it contains. However, let’s try to look at the types of dog houses classified according to their function.
- Insulated
These are dog houses that are designed to keep the interior warm and toasty especially when it’s rather cold outside. These are a step lower than heated dog houses since they don’t employ active heating mechanisms to maintain a warm temperature inside the house. These doggie houses often have double-wall or thick wall construction or may have additional foam layers as insulation.
- Heating
If using an insulated dog house simply doesn’t work to keep your pet warm enough, then a heated dog house is a must. These are ideal in parts of the world where it snows almost every day of the year. These come with heating elements like heated dog beds and floors to keep the temperature of the interior to a more comfortable one. Head over to our review of dog house heaters for more alternatives.
- Cooling
Dogs living in hot and humid places will require cooling dog houses. These typically come with thinner walls, plenty of ventilation holes or windows, and a large opening as the door. The idea is to allow plenty of fresh air to circulate through the interior while still affording some protection against the scorching sun.
You may also like our article on Dog Cooling Pads.
Our Top Pick
Affording you the chance to personalize your dog house, Suncast’s DH350 is our best dog house of the lot. It is well-built and comes with additional protection against the rain that may enter through the door. It is very easy to assemble, maintain, and clean while affording your dog a comfy place to stay in.
Dog houses are as important to dogs as residential homes are to humans. After all, they are our best friends. Picking the right dog house for our pets is, thus, crucial to ensuring their safety whenever they have to stay outdoors.
